Is Harbaugh subsitution pattern wise?

The 49ers first teams did not fare well at all. But the score wouldn’t be so one-sided had Jim Harbaugh taken a more traditional approach and played the staters uninterrupted throughout the first half. He might want to re-think that strategy.

Alex Smith got hit twice more on the last drive, on the second one, he was hit as he threw and couldn’t get the ball to a wide open Ronald Johnson. Instead it was easily picked off. Center Jonathan Goodwin got beat with an inside move.

This game is getting ugly and it’s no wonder with Jim Harbaugh’s substitution pattern. The first team defense can’t stop the powerful Texans’ first team, how can anyone expect the second team to fare? Although the 49ers second team flew around more than the first, and is getting turnovers.

Protection problems have cropped up again, but this time, it’s not blitzing but miscommunications and individuals getting beat. Iupati and Staley looked like they had trouble on a second-down sack, and then Adam Snyder allowed a pressure on third down.

Texans drive: Way too easy TD drive for the Texans. It’s getting beyond frustrating that the 49ers can’t cover the flat. Brock made a mistake in holding Andre Johnson for a pass interference call on a play where Dashon Goldson made an interception. The question is can the 49ers adjust in the next drive?

On defense, Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers at cornerback. Rogers plays the slot receiver in the nickel and Trammain Brock comes in.

Frank Gore did not start the game but he’s in uniform which is a little strange. Staley got completely walked back on third-down sack.

Texans drive: Reflecting last week’s game, the 49ers have a coverage break in the middle of the field that went for 30 yards, and allowed way too much space on the sideline routes. Safety Dashon Goldson is having trouble running up to cover the flat. Arian Foster got by him twice. But he get’s by a lot of people. Texans get a field goal. It’s 7-3